Daukayev, Tomalonis, Post interview
February 5, 2010 - An interesting story today on The Washington Post, our artistic director Marat Daukayev and our ballet history teacher Alexandra Tomalonis are interviewed about the upcoming performances of the Mariinsky and the Bolshoi at the Kennedy Center. Read it here.
Vivian on Broadway !
January 15, 2010 - KAB alumnus Vivian Nixon is the cover story in the February issue of Dance Spirit. An excerpt:
...at age 12, she switched her focus solely to dancing. “I needed to catch up!” she says. And catch up she did, at a summer program at the Kirov Academy in Washington, D.C. After two summers there, she enrolled in the school’s rigorous year-long program... “I had no turnout” Vivian says, “but the Kirov helped me.” Soon Vivian developed the technical skills that now underpin her versatility...
KAB Alumnus MARIA BYSTROVA Named Jennifer Alexander Dancer for 2010
January 8, 2010 - Maria Bystrova, a member of American Ballet Theatre’s corps de ballet, has been named the third annual Jennifer Alexander Dancer, it was announced today by ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie. In 2008, The Jennifer Alexander Memorial Fund was formed to honor the late Jennifer Alexander, a beloved member of ABT’s corps de ballet. Gifts to the Fund are used to support the Jennifer Alexander Dancer, recognizing a senior female dancer in the corps de ballet who best represents the professionalism, perseverance and generosity that Jennifer herself embodied. Bystrova joined ABT’s Studio Company (now ABT II) in August 1999, and joined American Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet in August 2000. Her roles with the Company include an Odalisque in Le Corsaire, Bathilde and Berthe in Giselle, the Eldest Sister in Pillar of Fire, the Lead Hungarian Dancer in Raymonda, Rosaline and Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Carabosse, the Countess and the Fairy of Sincerity in The Sleeping Beauty, the Queen Mother in Swan Lake, Anna in La Sylphide, Diana in Sylvia and roles in Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes and Everything Doesn’t Happen at Once.
A star is born
October 5, 2009 - KAB alumnus Hee Seo on the cover of Pointe Magazine !
Postcard from Taipei
September 30, 2009 - Mr. Daukayev received a letter from the Taipei National University of the Arts expressing their gratitude for the invitations that were extended to some of their students to attend Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, DC. “May this mark the beginning of the cooperation between our two schools and the blooming of the classical ballet in Taiwan. And may more and more people be opened to the beauty of classical ballet through efforts like yours.”
Hee Seo in Romeo & Juliet
July 14, 2009 - KAB alumnus Hee Seo featured on the NYTimes here.
Silver from Helsinki
July 8, 2009 - KAB alumnus Brooklyn Mack has just won the Silver Medal at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition, and he is on the cover (plus inside interview) of Dance Europe. Congratulations!
Visitors from the Royal Ballet
June 26, 2009 - While our summer session is in full swing, it is a joy to receive important visitors from the professional dance world. This time David Makhateli (center, principal dancer with Royal Ballet) and Alexander Agadzhandv (left, senior teacher repetiteur to the principal artists) came by to tour the facilities and chat with staff and students. They were shown around by our resident teacher and choreographer Viktor Kabaniaev (right)
Spring Performance 2009
Twice each year, at Christmas and again in May, students of the Kirov Academy of Ballet dance for us. They show us what they've learned in class and gain crucial performing experience, whether dancing as an ensemble or the big variations and pas de deux made for stars.
Here is a selection of moments from our most recent performance (May 22-23, 2009): 19th century showpieces, as well as very rarely performed treasures from the Russian and international repertory, and a few works choreographed especially for our students.
This spring the school was delighted to welcome a number of guests to the performances. The former President of Costa Rica Mr. Rodrigo Carazo and the First Lady, Mrs. Estrella Carazo traveled from their home country to attend the concert. They were accompanied by KAB board member Mr. Antonio Betancourt and Mrs. Kyoko Betancourt, Mr. William Selig and Mr Luis Patino, esteemed friends of the Academy.
from left: Mr. William Selig, Mr. & Mrs. David Tollaksen, Ms. Hope Paryzek, Ms. Janina Bove, Mr. Michael Beard, Pres. & Mrs. Rodrigo Carazo, Ms. Suzanne Long, Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Betancourt, Mr. Luis Patino.
The Academy was pleased to also welcome distinguished visitors from Ballet Virginia International of Norfolk: President of the Board of Directors, Hope Paryzek, Board Member Mr. David Tollaksen, Mrs. Diana Tollaksen and daughters Peyton and Alyssa, faculty members Ms. Janina Bove and Ms. Suzanne Long.
Congratulations to the Graduates 2009 !
From left: Caroline Bird, Jeong-Yoon Chang, Amanda Eddleman,
Nic Gili, Olivia Kelly, Kiyota Nomura, Ana Lejava, Ya Meng Lin,
Jessica Phillips, Emily Pihlaja, Saya Tanashiki, Alexa Tuzil
Visitors from the Mariinsky
January 6, 2009 - Yesterday Lyuba Kunikova, legendary Kirov Principal, came to visit our school. Having shared the stage with KAB Artistic Director, Marat Daukayev she felt right at home at the academy. In the hallway right outside the Artistic Director's office she saw a picture of herself dancing on the Mariinsky stage. She now teaches Principal dancers at the Kirov. She attended classes, spoke with our teachers and gave advice to our students.
Today it was our great pleasure to host the Ballet Director of the Mariinsky Ballet (formerly Kirov Ballet). Mr. Yuri Fateev, recently appointed to his new position by Valery Gergiev, toured the school with interpreter/dancer Alexandra Koltun, former Kirov soloist. Invited by KAB Artistic Director Mr. Marat Daukayev, Mr. Fateev was very gracious and took time to speak to all of the students. He explained clearly the kind of dedication necessary to be a successful dancer. He asked our boys, “Why did you come here? Did you think this would be fun? You're going to have to work hard!” After visiting each class, speaking to the whole student body and touring the facilities, he expressed how happy and grateful he was to see such an institution as this in America. He told our students how fortunate they were to have teachers and an academy like this to attend. He expressed how impressed he was with the quality of training and education that they are receiving. Mr. Fateev shared some of the monumental vision of the Mariinsky Ballet. The company of more than 200 dancers splits into two companies when touring. When they are doing Don Quixote here at the Kennedy Center the other half of the company is performing in other parts of the world. Each half of the company has their own sets, costumes, orchestra and everything else necessary for a complete performance. It's a massive and complex logistical operation. Our congratulations to Mr. Fateev for doing such an excellent job.
Ralph Hoffmann passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2008
There are very few people connected to the Kirov Academy who haven’t been touched in some way by Mr. Ralph Hoffmann. He was quite dear to us all whether you had gotten to know him through his insightful remarks in the newsletter, worked with him on the Executive Staff or known him as a personal friend. He had been a mentor and a fountain of sage advice and wisdom over the years. He had been fighting a noble battle against numerous physical afflictions for quite some time. That battle is unfortunately over and Ralph is resting peacefully. He is survived by his wife Paula, two daughters, Kira and Erica, and his brother, Richard. Over the years I have come to know Ralph as one of the most genuine, good-hearted, wise and generous people I have ever met. His conscientious concern for the academy and his personal care and love for each of us was remarkable. He will always be a part of this institution as well as keeping a special place in each of our hearts.
I am instituting a scholarship fund in Ralph’s name to memorialize his love of ballet. I think he would be happy to know that he was still contributing to the training and development of talented young dancers. This scholarship will allow his vision and love of the art form to continue to impact the ballet world.
Let’s keep his spirit alive with us through the coming years.
Michael Beard
Executive Director
KAB students chosen to attend Vaganova Institute
July 2008 - Recent special events have again reminded us of the quality of the training that is the hallmark of the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington DC. Two of our students have been chosen to experience the atmosphere, training and history of the Vaganova Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, the most prestigious ballet school in Russia and indeed the western world. Haley Schwan and Nathan Chaney will be attending the Vaganova Institute this September. From its beginning, the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington DC has enjoyed a unique connection to both the Vaganova Institute and the Mariinsky Theater. Mr. Oleg Vinogradov, then Artistic Director of the Kirov Ballet Company, brought with him the best of the Vaganova teachers when he first started KAB in 1990. The Kirov Academy is the only school outside of St. Petersburg to have official approval to use the Kirov name. After visiting our school and carefully scrutinizing our program, Mr. Valery Gergiev, the Director and General Manager of the Mariinsky Theater determined we were indeed worthy of the Kirov name. Haley hopes to complete three more years in St. Petersburg and perhaps be asked to join the fabled Mariinsky Ballet. As stated by Haley's mom, “This would not be possible without the training and the teachers at the Kirov Academy.” Nathan is also thrilled to be in the same historic classrooms that saw Nureyev, Baryshnikov and many other great male dancers finish their training and move on to their illustrious careers. These young artists are very fortunate to live in a city so rich in art and history. They will benefit far beyond the time spent in the classroom. We, their Kirov Academy family, wish them great success. We hope to hear regularly of their life in Russia.
Ballet legend Azari Plisetsky gives Master Class at KAB
April 2008 - Azari Plisetsky danced with the Bolshoi Ballet for six years. In 1963, he was sent to dance in Cuba. He partnered Alicia Alonso, the Director of the Cuban National Ballet, for ten years. He also taught in Cuba. Since 2006 Mr. Plisetsky has been in charge of the teaching program in Bejart Ballet Lausanne.
Azari Plisetsky is a world famous ballet teacher and we have been honored by his teaching a Master Class at Kirov Academy of Ballet
Gelsey Kirkland and her husband Michael Chernov visit the Kirov Academy
February 2008 - What a pleasure it was to be visited by Gelsey Kirkland and her husband Michael Chernov! After Mr. Daukayev saw them at the Kennedy Center he invited them to come by and see our school. Unfortunately, he was already out on the audition tour when they dropped by, but the rest of us had a wonderful time with them both. They observed Mme. Armeiskaya’s and Mr. Djouloukhadze’s classes in the morning. In the afternoon they observed Mme. Morkovina teaching a combined class that included Mme. Akhmedova’s students since she was out on the audition tour.
Mme Armeiskaya, Mr Beard, Mme Kirkland, Mr Chernov, and Mr Djouloukhadze
Meeting with students and staff.
Dr. Thoms organized a “town hall” meeting so the students could have an open forum with them.The students asked some very good questions about natural ability vs. hard work, what she considered the highlights of her career, and many more. Her warmth and honesty really touched all of us. She also spoke dreamily of dancing with Baryshnikov and Nureyev. Numerous times she mentioned what great training our students were getting at the Academy. She explained how difficult it was for her without the classical, historical and character training that they are receiving. Mr. Chernov spoke quite eloquently about the expression of the inner character through the medium of dance. He emphasized that “technique” was important but to reach the audience you had to feel the heart of the character you were portraying. How honestly you could convey that heart is what would reach the audience. Mr. Chernov mentioned afterwards how impressed they both were with our students. He said that he couldn’t remember when they had been received so warmly and how moved they were by everyone at the Academy. It was quite a treat for all of us, and one of the staff members shared that they felt “we had been in the presence of greatness.”
Gelsey Kirkland with KAB students Ina Kanaoki, Natalia Barulich, and Carina Brown.
Our students perform at the Russian embassy's New Year Celebration
January 2008 - We are honored that some of our students were invited to perform on January 10 at the Russian embassy in Washington, for a special celebration of the Russian new year. Hundreds of guests, families and children attended the event.
Constantine Allen rehearses his piece Namah Shivaya
just before the performance.
Michael Pontius, Meiri Maeda and Reagan Wise perform
the Pas de Trois from the Nutcracker.
Our performers, and KAB deputy artistic director Marat Daukayev, with Mrs Svetlana Ushakova, wife of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, after the performance.
Oleg Vinogradov exibit at the Kirov Academy Winter Performance
December 2007 - Our Winter Performance has been one of the best ever! Read the review by George Jackson here
A special feature of the event was an exibit illustrating the life events and artistic achievements of our artistic director. The full content of the exibit can be seen here
Jury duty in Japan!
August 2007 - Our teacher Jacqueline Achmedova was invited to represent our school as a jury member to the Japan Grand Prix.
She reports: "The upside of meeting with so many professionals, ballet directors and teachers was to make connections for our school and exchange valuable experience. The atmosphere and the organization at the competition was outstanding. I invited 3 girls and 3 boys, 3 turned out to be first and second prize winners at the competition. It was a unforgettable time for me."
In the photo, Jacqueline (front) is taking a break from a hard day's work with members of the jury. Among others, Denise Jefferson ( Director of the Alvin Ailey School, USA ), Tadeusz Matacz ( Director of the John Cranko School, Germany ), Gary Norman ( Ballet Teacher at the Royal Ballet School, England ), Deborah Hess ( Ballet Teacher at the National Ballet School, Canada ), Raymond Lucens ( Ballet Teracher at ABT-Jacqueline Onassis School);
and here she is with David Mc Allister ( Director of the Australian Ballet ) and Louise Lester ( Ballet Mistress at Houston Ballet).
YES, he thinks he can dance!
July 2007 - KAB graduate Danny Tidwell is on the popular tv show, where he has aknowledged the classical training received at our Academy. See the New York Times story about him here.
Gilbert/Allen place top 12
May 2007 - KAB students Bryn Gilbert (teacher: Akhmedova) and Constantine Allen (teacher: Djouloukhadze) placed top 12 internationally in the 12-14 year old category at the Youth America Ballet Competition in New York. Constantine also won the junior boys Bronze Medal, a full scholarship at the Rock School of Dance, and an invitation to perform at the Children Showcase of the Miami International Ballet Festival in September 2007.
Rasta Thomas & Adrienne Canterna, another (the third!) alumni wedding!
April 2007 - On March 31 Adrienne and Rasta, both graduates of the Kirov Academy, were married. "It was like a fairy tale wedding", writes Adrienne. "My bridal party was filled with KAB alumni... my sister and sister in law, Ashley and Alicia Canterna, Allyson Kelly and Rachel Hamrick!" Congratulations and best wishes from all of us!
This is the third wedding between KAB alumni! Dana Genshaft and Peter Volz were the first, then Sergey Rayevskiy (class of '98) and Jessica Little (class of '99) were married July 6, 2002. Congratulations to all!
Bolshoi Artistic Director "very impressed" by Kirov Academy of Ballet
February 2007 - Mr. Vinogradov and Mr. Beard attended the production of Cinderella by the Bolshoi Ballet at the Kennedy Center. While backstage, Mr. Vinogradov invited the Artistic Director, Alexi Ratmansky to visit the academy.
When he arrived on Wed. the 21st of February he was greeted at the door by our students and presented a bouquet of roses by KAB Senior Kristin Mitchell.
After touring the school Mr. Vinogradov, Mr. Beard, Dance Critic Nina Alovert and Mr. Ratmansky joined a discussion in the artistic office.
Later Mr. Ratmansky attended Mme. Morkovina and Mr. Kucheruk's classes, after which he said that he was very impressed by the quality of our Academy.
Silver from Japan
August 2006 - KAB student Philip Slocki just won the Silver Medal in the Japan Grand Prix! He will be dancing in a production of Giselle this week in Sapporo. Congratulations to Philip and his teacher, Mr. Kucheruk!
VARNA GOLD again!
July 2006 - Our student Mathias Dingman has just won the junior men Gold Medal at the 2006 Varna International Ballet Competition. His schoolmate Sasha DeSola tied for the Bronze Medal in the junior women category. Congratulations to both!
Our new name:
the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, D.C.
July 2006 - Effective September 2006, the Universal Ballet Academy will return to its former name, the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, DC. The Academy and the Mariinsky/Kirov Ballet also announce the continuation of closer artistic ties between the school and the great Russian company on which it is modeled.
During a meeting at the Academy, Valery Gergiev, Artistic Director and General Manager of the Mariinsky Theatre said, “We must build a program between the Academy and St. Petersburg that embraces the standards and artistry of the Mariinsky/Kirov tradition”.
Oleg Vinogradov, former Artistic Director of the Kirov Ballet for 24 years, has provided the artistic vision for the school since its inception. Mr. Vinogradov recognized the need for a school in the west that would save the Russian style of training. “Maestro Gergiev is a man of vision who recognizes the importance of our organizations working together. This collaboration will help to preserve and highlight the beauty and style of the Kirov”.
Valery Gergiev visiting the Academy, with Mr Beard and Mr Vinogradov
Maestro Gergiev was impressed by the Academy's careful adherence to the principles and goals of the Kirov tradition. Plans for student and teacher exchange and the Academy's participation in the development of the Kirov presence in Washington, DC are under discussion. Mr. Vinogradov looks forward to this closer working relationship with the Mariinsky/Kirov Theatre, which will benefit students at the Academy and the greater Washington community at large.
For More Information: Mary Catherine West 202-636-0629
Best Couple in Jackson
July 2006 - UBA students Sasha DeSola and Mathias Dingman received the Junior Best Couple Award at the 2006 Jackson International Ballet Competition. From the New York Times review: "The men tended to outdance the women this year... One exception was Sasha DeSola, the 16-year-old winner of the Junior Best Couple Award, with her fellow American Mathias Dingman, who brought an intruiging delicacy to steely bravura dancing in the pas de deux from "flames of Paris"". Two of our alumni also were on the winners' list, the award for best senior couple was given to David Karapetyan and UBA graduate Vanessa Zahorian, and UBA graduate Brooklyn Mack won the Senior Silver Medal!
Two great awards at the Grand Prix
April 2006 - UBA senior student Mathias Dingman took the Youth America Grand Prix First Place Senior Men's Division Award in New York City this past weekend. Also our own Mr. Anatoli Kucheruk took the “best teacher” award. Congratulations Mr. Kucheruk, and Mathias!
Alumni in the news
November 2005 - UBA graduates Melanie Hamrick, Hee Seo, Michele Wiles, Maria Bystrova, all received very positive comments in the NYTimes reviews of ABT recent performances.
Dingman wins in Seoul
September 2005 - UBA student Mathias Dingman has won the 1st prize, Junior men division, at the 2nd Seoul International Dance Competition (and UBA graduate Aeri Kim got 2nd prize, Junior women division).
A Gold from Rome
July 2005 - Ian Lindemann has won the Gold Medal at the Premio Roma International Ballet Competition in Rome, Italy.
Ian graduated last year from UBA, and will soon join the Vienna Ballet.
Good news from UBA students in Moscow
June 2005 - Mathias Dingman has been awarded the Bronze Medal, diploma, and title of Laureate, at the 2005 Moscow Ballet Competition. Kenya Nakamura was awarded a diploma.
Alumni in the news June 2005 - Editor Emma Manning writes enthusiastically about Brooklyn Mack in the July 05 issue of Dance Europe magazine. Reporting about the Helsinki competition, she writes "not only are Mack's big jumps tremendous, he knows how to wind down a pirouette and carve the raised leg into a momentarily-held second. Wicked. And then, just when you think you haven't any breath left, he concludes his variation with two killer twists in succession. I recall sitting there thinking, well, the rest of them might as well go home and, by the voracious reception for Mack, I was not the only one."
Michele Wiles makes Principal Dancer at ABT
June 2005 - UBA graduate Michele Wiles has just been promoted to Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre.
Congratulations Michele!
Universal Ballet Academy student and graduates perform in the gala and take awards at the International Ballet Competition in Helsinki, Finland!
June 2005 - Mathias Lenz Dingman placed third in the junior men's category. He will perform Joe Istre's "Hunter" in the gala. Brooklyn Mack received one of the Encouragement Awards. He will perform Terrace Henderson/Brooklyn Mack's choreography piece called "Bouncin' Back". Melissa Hough placed third in the senior women's category. She is also performing in the gala.
Out of about 155 competitors, all of our students participating in the competition made it to the semi-finals!
Alumni in the news January 2005 - Danny Tidwell has made the "25 to Watch" list in the January issue of Pointe Magazine. He was also featured in the October issue of Dance Magazine, as one of the medalists who returned to Jackson to perform in the 25th Anniversary Gala Performance of the International Ballet Competition. Danny won the Junior Division Silver Medal at the 2002 IBC. The previous year, while a student at UBA, he won the Silver Medal at the Shanghai International Ballet Competition. Danny is now dancing with ABT. Oscar Hawkins had a nice write up in the September issue of Dance Spirit, as a performer in the Las Vegas production of Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere.
UBA students excel in New York competition
April 2004 - Some of our students have just finished participating in the Youth America Grand Prix competition in New York City. Congratulations to Sasha DeSola and April Giangeruso for placing in the top 12 female dancers of the Junior Division, and to Kiri Chapman for placing in the top 12 female dancers of the Senior Division. Sasha also won third place honors overall in the Junior Division. For the men Mathias Dingman won second place in the men's Senior Division. Mathias and Brooklyn Mack were placed among the top 12 male dancers of the competition. Twelve of our students also performed in the Gala on Monday, giving a rousing performance of Luke Newton-Mason's Rom Peru.
UBA students win First, Second, Third prizes
at Austria International Competition
April 2004 - Congratulations to our three students who participated in the Fifth OTR Austrian Dance Committee Contest in Vienna, and just came home with the three top awards in their category! Mathias Dingman won the First Prize, Ian Lindeman the Second Prize, and Kenya Nakamura the Third Prize. In addition, Mathias was awarded the Nijinsky Award by an independent committee.
2003 Winter Performance gets great review
"Recitals by the Universal Ballet Academy have gained a reputation for classical purity and professional polish that is matched by few other schools around the world..."
Read the whole review by George Jackson in DanceView Times
Don't miss the November 2003 issue
of Dancer Magazine,
our Academy is the Cover Story !
UBA students view the story after class.
Shop now to help out UBA
Universal Ballet Academy is participating in a powerful fundraising opportunity with Safeway and other partners. Merchant partners donate a percentage of your purchases to the Academy. All you have to do is register at escrip.com then shop as you normally would. To register: Go to www.escrip.com and click on "sign up." Designate UBA to receive contributions. Our ID number is 149184027. Register your Safeway Club Card, debit, ATM and credit cards, too. That's it! Thanks for helping out.
